Structural unit



' Sept. 4,1928.

- .D. H.BITNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Feb. l2, 192'! Dewey H. Effne BY 5 a k, ATTORNJEYS Patented Sept. 4, 192a. Ul ll 'l fil DEWEY r1. BITNEY,

OF ALBION, IEEOHIGAN, ASSQSIGNO12. TO U'Nlfilil STEEL PRODUCTS COIMPANY, 0F ALBION, 'MICHIGAII.

STRUCTURAL UNTIL Application filed February The main object of this invention is to provide an integrally fabricated structural unit for the positioning and supporting of reinforcing bars in concrete structures.

A further object is to p rovide an improved structural unit of this class which is simple and economical in structure and has a great variety of uses or adaptations in concrete structural work.

Objects pertaining to details and economics of my invention will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application, in which:

Fl g. 1 is a perspective view of a structural unit commonly known'as a beam bolster embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view illustrating an application or adaptation of my improvements in a form.

Referring to the drawing, my improved structural unit comprises a longitudinal supporting rod or bar 1 to which I secure in spaced relation a plurality of upright legs 2 whichare fixedly secured, preferably by electric welding. The upper ends of the legs projectabove the bar to provide reinforcing bar positioning members 3. These members may, if desired, be wrapped around the bars a to be supported as shown in Fig. 2.

I have shown these bar'positioning members as of considerable length. However, the length may be as desired.

At their lower ends the legs are connected by a base bar 8 which serves as a support when the bolster is arranged upon spaced reinforcing bars or form members and also as a bracing member for the legs and the unit as a whole.

At its ends the longitudinal bar is provided with downwardly inclined arms or struts 5 disposed oppositely and terminating in the horizontally disposed base bars 6 which lie in the plane of the lower ends of the legs. These struts and the base bars keep the structure in upright position, the base bars supporting the unit on spaced reinforce bars as 4 in Fig. 2 where it is desired to support more than one series of reinforcing bars.

7 represents the form on which the first bolster 1s mounted. Where the bolster is to 12, 1927. Serial No. 167,678.

be mounted in superimposed relation on the reinforce bars, as f in Fi 2, 1 preferably provide a horizontal base bar 8 which is secured to the lower ends of the uprights in position to rest upon the reinforce'bars.

I have illustrated my improvements and the adaptations thereof in the manner which I believe will enable those skilled in the art to apply oradapt my improvements as may be desired. 1 have not attempted to illustrate or de cribe various modifications and adaptations which are possible as I believe this disclosure will enable those skilledin the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal rod, upright legswelded to saidrod in spaced relation with their upper ends projecting above the rod, said rod having downwardly inclined arms at its ends terminating in oppositely disposed longitudinal base members, said base members lying in substantially the planes of the lower ends of the legs, and a longitudinal base member secured to the lower ends of the legs.

2. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal rod, upright legs welded to said rod in spaced relation with their upper ends projecting above the rod, said rod having downwardly inclined arms at its ends terminating in oppositely. disposed longitudinal base members, saidbase memberslying insubstantially the planes of the lower ends of the legs.

3. A structural tudinal supporting rod, a plurality of legs secured to said rod in spaced relation, said rod having oppositely disposed downwardly inclined supporting arms at its ends, and par- Y allel base barscarried by said arms, said base bars lying in substantially the plane of the lower end of said legs.

i. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, a plurality of legs secured tosaid rod in spaced relation, said unit comprising a longi- (ill rod having oppositely disposed downwardly said struts, and a plurality of upright legs on said rod between said struts, and a longitudicured to said rod, said rod having oppositely disposed downwardly inclined struts at its ends, and a longitudinal base member secured 10 to the lower ends of the legs.

7. A structural unit comprising alongitudinal rod having downwardly inclined struts at its ends, a plurality of legs secured to said rod in spaced relation s between said struts, and longitudinal base members at the lower ends of said struts disposed in planes at the sides of the said longitudinal rod.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

DEWEY H. BITNEY. 

